Naturopathic and Integrative Care for Eczema and Allergies: What Is Known
What dermatology guidelines, Cochrane reviews and a provider survey say about diet, probiotics, vitamins, herbs and allergy tests offered in naturopathic care for eczema and allergies.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Severe allergic reactions are emergencies. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. [1] Symptoms include swelling of the throat and tongue and difficulty breathing or breathing very fast. [1] If you think someone is having one, call 911 in the United States. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Eczema signs that need prompt care
The NHS says eczema that is blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has spots filled with pus may be infected and needs an urgent appointment. [2] This page is mainly about atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) and about food allergy claims; it does not review hay fever or asthma treatments. See also eczema and allergies vs colds.What standard care looks like
The NHS says atopic eczema cannot be cured, but treatment can help manage symptoms. [2] It advises applying moisturising treatments (emollients) as often as possible, at least twice a day. [2] Steroid creams, lotions or gels (topical corticosteroids) are among the main treatments. [2] The American Academy of Dermatology guideline also reviews flare prevention and adjunctive and complementary therapies. [3]Who offers naturopathic care
NCCIH describes licensed naturopathic physicians as graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools, and traditional naturopaths as trained in various non-accredited programs. [4] Licensing requirements vary across U.S. states and territories. [4] See credentials, licensing and scope of practice.How naturopathic and conventional providers differ on eczema
A survey of 30 allopathic and 21 naturopathic providers found that both fields routinely recommended moisturization and "soak-and-seal" bathing. [5] Naturopathic providers heavily emphasized the role of food and diet in eczema. [5] This survey describes what providers say they do, not whether it works.What trials and reviews found, by approach
| Approach | What the source says | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-system naturopathic care for eczema or allergy | Proper evidence not found. Our PubMed search for naturopathic care with eczema, allergy or dermatitis terms returned the survey above but no trial of naturopathic care | Insufficient evidence |
| Probiotics for treating eczema | Cochrane (39 trials, 2,599 people): use for treating eczema is currently not evidence-based [6] | No good evidence of benefit |
| Probiotics, established atopic dermatitis | AAD guideline (as described by NCCIH): not recommended because of inconsistent evidence [7] | Mixed |
| Fish oil, evening primrose, borage, multivitamins, zinc, vitamins E, B6 and B12 | AAD guideline (as described by NCCIH): inconsistent to no evidence to recommend [7] | No good evidence of benefit |
| Vitamin D supplements | A 2019 meta-analysis of 16 studies found clinically relevant improvements [7], yet the AAD guideline lists vitamin D among supplements with inconsistent to no evidence [7] | Mixed |
| Chinese herbal medicine | Cochrane found no conclusive evidence it reduces severity; use caution, especially for children, as products can be potentially hazardous [7] | Insufficient evidence |
NCCIH notes that there have been only a few studies of complementary approaches for skin conditions, and those done have often had methodological problems. [7] Counseling and diet changes cannot be blinded, so expectation can influence results. For herbs see natural skin care ingredients.
Allergy testing: what is and is not supported
Diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy relies on clinical history, food-specific IgE and skin-prick testing, and oral food challenge, according to a review of unproven food allergy diagnostics. [8] The same review lists food-specific serum IgG or IgG4 testing, electrodermal testing, applied kinesiology, hair analysis and iridology among tests that it says have not been supported by scientific evidence, and that some even carry the risk of severe adverse reactions. [8] The NHS says a GP who suspects food allergy may refer you to a specialist for tests. [9]Do not begin a strict elimination diet for yourself or a child based on an unvalidated test without talking to a doctor. See food sensitivity panels and anti-inflammatory and elimination diets in integrative practice.
Questions to ask
Ask what tests you will be given and why, whether results will be shared with your doctor, whether the practice sells products, and when you should seek urgent care. See questions to ask a naturopath or integrative practitioner.Frequently asked questions
Can naturopathy cure eczema?
The NHS says atopic eczema cannot be cured but treatment can help manage symptoms. [2] We found no trial showing naturopathic care cures it.
Do probiotics help eczema?
A Cochrane review concluded that using probiotics to treat eczema is currently not evidence-based. [6]
Are food IgG tests reliable for allergies?
A review of unproven food allergy diagnostics says food-specific IgG and IgG4 testing has not been supported by scientific evidence. [8]
Do vitamins or fish oil help eczema?
The AAD guideline, as described by NCCIH, finds inconsistent to no evidence for fish oil, multivitamins, zinc and vitamin D. [7] A 2019 meta-analysis did report improvements with vitamin D, so results are mixed. [7]
When is an allergic reaction an emergency?
Throat or tongue swelling or fast or difficult breathing can signal anaphylaxis, so call 911 in the United States. [1]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.